Role-playing games (RPGs) are one of the most popular video game genres out there. It's a genre that has seen a lot of changes over the years and has given birth to many subgenres. In this article, we will explore the various role-playing game subgenres that exist in the gaming world today.
1. Action RPG
As the name suggests, action RPGs focus on action-packed gameplay with a strong emphasis on combat. In these games, players control a character who engages in battles with enemies, often in real-time. Examples of popular action RPGs include Diablo, The Witcher, and Dark Souls.
2. Japanese RPG
Japanese RPGs, also known as JRPGs, are RPGs developed in Japan. These games often have anime-style graphics and focus heavily on character development and storytelling. Examples of popular JRPGs include Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and Persona.
3. Western RPG
Western RPGs, on the other hand, are RPGs developed in the western world. These games often have a more open-world structure and focus on player choice and player-driven storytelling. Examples of popular western RPGs include The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and The Witcher.
4. Tactical RPG
Tactical RPGs, as the name suggests, focus on tactical gameplay and strategy. These games often have turn-based combat and require players to carefully plan out their moves. Examples of popular tactical RPGs include Fire Emblem, XCOM, and Final Fantasy Tactics.
5. MMORPG
MMORPGs, or massively multiplayer online role-playing games, are RPGs that allow players to interact with each other in a virtual world. These games often have a persistent world that continues to exist even when the player is not logged in. Examples of popular MMORPGs include World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, and Final Fantasy XIV.
6. Roguelike RPG
Roguelike RPGs are a subgenre of RPGs that are characterized by randomly generated levels, permadeath, and turn-based gameplay. These games often have a high level of difficulty and require players to carefully manage their resources. Examples of popular roguelike RPGs include Binding of Isaac, FTL: Faster Than Light, and Darkest Dungeon.
7. Sandbox RPG
Sandbox RPGs, as the name suggests, are RPGs that provide players with a sandbox-style world to explore and interact with. These games often have a non-linear story and allow players to explore and create their own adventures. Examples of popular sandbox RPGs include Minecraft, Terraria, and Kenshi.
8. Immersive Sim RPG
Immersive sim RPGs are a subgenre of RPGs that focus on providing players with a highly immersive world to explore. These games often have a strong emphasis on player choice and allow players to interact with the game world in a variety of ways. Examples of popular immersive sim RPGs include Deus Ex, Dishonored, and Prey.
9. Hack and Slash RPG
Hack and slash RPGs are a subgenre of RPGs that focus on fast-paced combat and action. These games often have a large number of enemies on screen at once and allow players to mow down hordes of enemies with ease. Examples of popular hack and slash RPGs include Diablo, Path of Exile, and Torchlight.
10. Interactive Fiction RPG
Interactive fiction RPGs are a subgenre of RPGs that focus on storytelling and player choice. These games often have a text-based interface and allow players to make choices that affect the story. Examples of popular interactive fiction RPGs include Planescape: Torment, Baldur's Gate, and Pillars of Eternity.
11. Metroidvania RPG
Metroidvania RPGs are a subgenre of RPGs that combine elements of platformers with RPGs. These games often have large interconnected worlds that players can explore and often require players to backtrack to previously explored areas with new abilities. Examples of popular metroidvania RPGs include Hollow Knight, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
12. ARPG
ARPGs, or Action Role-Playing Games, are a subgenre of RPGs that focus on real-time combat and character customization. These games often have a hack and slash-style combat system and allow players to level up and customize their characters. Examples of popular ARPGs include Diablo, Torchlight, and Path of Exile.
In conclusion, the RPG genre is incredibly diverse, with many subgenres that cater to different playstyles and preferences. From action-packed hack and slash games to immersive sims, there's an RPG out there for everyone.
